By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

“I WANT YOU ALL TO STAY ON THE JOURNEY THAT THIS FOOTBALL CLUB IS ON BECAUSE YOU DESERVE TO BE PART OF IT FOR WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED”

Ashington FC manager Ian Skinner has asked his squad of players to stay with him ‘on the journey’ as the Colliers prepare to compete in the Northern Premier League following their promotion on the final day of last season.

The boss delivered his heartfelt message at the club’s presentation evening in the clubhouse at the weekend. Addressing the players, he said: “All of the players have been magnificent this term and I want you all to stay on the journey that this football club is on because you deserve to be part of it for what you have achieved. This is a club with a lot of history. You have now written your names in that history and you should be super proud of it. You are one of the best teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with and I was quietly confident on that bus journey down to Glossop that if we turned up as a team then we would beat them (Glossop) – and we beat them comfortably.”

All of Ashington’s players received a personal memento from the Ebac Northern League for finishing as runners up to champions Newton Aycliffe.

The boss added that all of the players had been magnificent throughout the season and paid tribute to chairman Brian Shotton and his wife Nicola – along with others: “Thanks go to Brian Shotton who tries to make this football club the best it can be,” he said, “He puts loads of time and effort into it and deserves massive credit for that – but he couldn’t do it without the support of his wife Nicola. Credit also to Ian Reid the chairman of the supporters club; photographer Ian Brodie whose pictures have been top notch; Mark Ramsden; Gav Perry and Alan Brown.”

However Skinner said that the club needs the support from the fans ‘more than ever’ when he added: “Thanks to everybody who supports us on match days both home and away during the campaign but we need you now more than ever. It’s exciting to move up the pyramid and will it be easy? No. Will it be enjoyable? Yes. We are asking you (the supporters) to stick with us as we continue to fight hard to get to where we want to be because we can’t do this without you.”

To date the club have already sold over 80 season tickets for next season – their first in the NPL since the 1968-69 campaign.

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ben Sampson scooped a double at Ashington FC’s presentation evening which was held in the Woodhorn Lane clubhouse last Sunday.

The 24 year old won the ‘Goal of the Season’ award for his stunning long range effort in the 5-0 demolition over Bishop Auckland and followed that up when he was named as the ‘Supporters Player of the Season.’

Sampson said afterwards: “I thought my goal against Bishop Auckland would be in contention for the goal of the season but the supporters’ player award came as a complete surprise. It was a great feeling when I heard my name announced and the fans have been amazing. Year on year, the crowds have been getting better and especially this last campaign when apart from clinching promotion we had that fabulous run in the Emirates FA Cup.”

He continued: “Our squad is littered with so many good players and the trophy could have gone to any one of them – and that’s not an exaggeration. It’s been a pleasure to play alongside them including some of the best-ever non league players like Robbie Dale, Paul Robinson, Damen Mullen and Darren Lough but to be honest I could go through the whole squad really.”

Ian Reid, who has been chairman of the supporters club for ten years, said: “There were probably over 100 people who voted and Ben won by quite a large amount. I personally thought it was a good choice because he was consistent all season whether he played in midfield or at full back and the lad gives 100 per cent every time.”

Pegswood-based Sampson first signed for the Colliers at the age of 17. He later joined North Shields and then didn’t play when he was at University. It was November 5 last year when Sampson scored a cracker against Bishop Auckland and he said: “I don’t get many – I had two in the season just ended. One was from about two yards out in the FA Cup replay win over Stocksbridge Park Steels – the other was from about 42 yards out against Bishops – but again it was nice to be nominated.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC’s Craig Spooner won the prestigious Players Player of the season award on Sunday night when the Colliers held their promotion party in the clubhouse.

A comprehensive 3-0 win over Glossop North End in Derbyshire in the Inter step play off saw the Wansbeck outfit elevated from the Ebac Northern League first division to the NPL East Division.

Spooner pointed to what he described as being ‘an incredible season’ and said from a personal point of view, the trophy was the icing on the cake.

“This is the first time in senior football that I’ve won the award and it’s a great feeling,” he said, “It’s been an incredible season for the club and to get this (award) off the lads is one of the better things which I’ve won in my career so far. I said after we clinched promotion down in Glossop that it was my biggest achievement – and this tops it off. It’s great recognition for the hard work which I have put in – but credit to all of the players.  Any one of them could have won it because they have all been fantastic.”

The news came as a complete shock to the 24 year old: “Did I think I would be in the running? Not a chance,” he added, “I gave 110 per cent in every game and obviously what I did has paid off. To say I’m well chuffed is an understatement.”

Ashington boss Ian Skinner said: “It was a good choice. Craig has been both Mr Consistent and Mr Versatile for us this season. He’s filled in at left back; right back; played across the midfield; as a number ten and come up with some important goals as well. What you see is what you get with Craig. He trains well and plays with his heart on his sleeve and gives everything he has got for the club and I’m delighted for him to be recognised for what he has done.”

He continued: “It’s a well known saying in football that the Player’s Player award is the one which every footballer wants to win because the voting is done by their fellow team mates. After the season we have had, if the award could have been shared out, it would have acknowledged the contribution from everybody but Craig’s team mates have recognised that little bit extra which he has given. Congratulations to him – he should be feeling very proud.”

Ashington AFC can confirm Matchday Entry prices for the 2023/24 season – the first back in the Northern Premier League for 54 years.

As always we will be offering advanced ticket sales at a cheaper price which can be bought online at our ticketing website.

Matchday Entry Prices (at the turnstile)
£9.00 Adults
£5.00 Concessions (aged 65 and over and Students)
£3.00 Under 16s

Advanced Entry Prices (on sale until 1.30pm Saturday games and 5.00pm Midweek games)
£8.00 Adults
£4.00 Concessions (aged 65 and over and Students)
£2.00 Under 16s

Chairman Brian Shotton “Following the wonderfully successful season we have had culminating in promotion to the Northern Premier League we have increased our admission prices by £1 across the board. Whilst it is always tough to ask spectators to pay more, the clubs costs will rise significantly in the higher league including vital ground improvements and travel – but we know the public of Ashington will support our campaign. We are embarking on an exciting new chapter in the clubs history and we hope as many come along on the journey as possible”

“We are once again offering fantastically valued season tickets with early bird pricing for Adults, Concessions and Under 16s saving nearly a 1/3 on turnstile prices. These are available until the end of June”

Early Bird Season Ticket Pricing

Adult £120.00
Concession (65 and over and Students) £65.00
Under 16s £25.00

These are available at our ticketing website here: https://ashingtonafc.ktckts.com/package/asnhst2324/season-ticket-202324

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Rachel McDonald (17th Sept 2022)

Ashington FC chairman Brian Shotton took it all in, soaking up the emotional and ecstatic scenes which followed after the final whistle on Saturday as the Colliers clinched promotion to the Northern Premier League East Division.

The Colliers had comprehensively swept NPL West Division outfit Glossop North End aside on their home patch winning the Inter Step play off game 3-0 with goals coming from skipper Ben Harmison (2) and Craig Spooner.

Under his astute leadership and guidance, Brian – who took over the reins as chairman four years ago – has totally transformed the club which has moved in an upwards direction ever since.

On the pitch, Ian Skinner, who came in as manager and who does the job on a voluntary basis, has also worked wonders.

There are others too who have diligently worked their socks off behind the scenes and Skinner made reference to individuals and volunteers who give up numerous hours like Gav Perry, Brian Robson and Alan Brown.

Turning the clock back a few years, Ashington were desperately looking for points to survive in the first division of the Ebac Northern League.

At around 4.50pm in Derbyshire on Saturday their elevation into the NPL was not only confirmed but thoroughly deserved – and it was the culmination of sheer hard work.

For messrs Shotton, Skinner, Perry, Robson and Brown – as well as the wonderful supporters – when the final whistle came on Saturday, there were understandably tears of joy along with fist bumps and high-fives.

But there were also tears shed as collectively they tried to put into context just how their club had risen to scale new heights and in doing so, bridge a 55 years gap since the club were last in the NPL.

“Promotion has sunk in,” said Brian afterwards, “but its one of those where everything goes through your head today. You look at what has happened this season – like the FA Cup run we had and various junctures where we thought promotion had gone, come back then gone again. Today the players have just been magnificent and what a way to end the season for everyone – its unreal.”

He continued: “At times I’m lost for words and I always admit that I’m an emotional person. I’m not upset – but I was in tears today because this club has just come on such a journey in such a quick time frame – and I can’t quite believe it if I’m honest. I keep saying to everyone that the hard work starts now because we have got to be better – including myself – and we will be.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC goalkeeper Karl Dryden described the Colliers promotion success via their Inter step play off match against Glossop North End as being on a par with winning the league.

The 35 year old stopper – who was a member of the Dunston UTS side who clinched the Ebac Northern League championship in the 2018-19 season – said after the Woodhorn Lane outfit had triumphed 3-0 against the Hillmen on Saturday: “It’s a great feeling and the changing room is buzzing. We’ve achieved what we set out to do at the beginning of the season. We definitely deserved to win today and once we got the second goal I thought the result was never in any doubt. However, this is reward for the whole season. On reflection, we would have taken the FA Cup run – it’s just a shame we needed to play catch up having to win our league games in hand and trying to put the points on the board.”

The Ashington-born stopper – who also has an FA Vase winners medal after playing for Morpeth Town in their 4-1 victory over Hereford at Wembley Stadium in 2016 – was delighted with a stop he made ten minutes from time: “It was a reaction save,” he said “I was happy with it and also a clean sheet which is what we have been trying to do all season. I’ve got the same feeling today going up via the play off final with Ashington as I had with Dunston because you’re winning something. Now we’ve got the new league to look forward to.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC’s assistant manager Andy Coyles made it back to back promotions on Saturday when the Colliers brushed aside Northern Premier League West Division side Glossop North End 3-0 in the Inter step play off final.

At the same stage a year ago, Coyles who was manager of Ebac Northern League outfit Consett, successfully masterminded the Steelmen’s victory over Histon in Cambridgeshire.

Coyles said on Saturday night: “There’s something unbelievable about getting promoted via the play offs – it’s a totally different feeling to winning the league. Leading up to today, we made it hard for ourselves but at the end of the day, the objective at the start of the season for Ashington was to get promoted. So whether we won it outright or did it via the play offs doesn’t matter. However after travelling three hours from Ashington to play the game in Derbyshire, there’s no better feeling.”

As for the players, Coyles added: “They had a job to do and they did it in full. We said to them before the game ‘come back into the dressing rooms after the final whistle with no regrets – and not one of them had any (regrets) and that’s all you can ask for. We did what we needed to do. We managed the game from minute one to minute 93 and the lads were exceptional.”

Coyles described the away support as being outstanding: “You’d have thought that we were at home,” he said, “The support was outstanding. The fans were loud throughout; they sang for the entire 90 minutes and when we scored, the noise just gave the lads a bit of a buzz. They were incredible and were our 12^th, 13^th, 14^th and 15^th man today – 1000 per cent.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC midfielder Craig Spooner took his goals tally to a round dozen for the season on Saturday when he scored in the 3-0 win over Glossop North End in the Inter step play off contest in Derbyshire.

And afterwards, the 24 year old said that promotion to the Northern Premier League East Division – was the biggest achievement of his career.

Speaking minutes after the game, Spooner commented: “This is an unbelievable feat for the club – and especially the fans that have been absolutely brilliant so hats off to every single one of them who have supported us.”

Ben Harmison gave the Colliers the lead on the 26 minutes mark – but Ashington-born Spooner said: “I thought we dominated the first ten to 15 minutes and to be fair, we could have had two or three even before Ben put us in front. We knew they (Glossop) were going to come out fighting after the break so we wanted to get another goal and try and kill the game off.”

Harmison got the second – with Spooner quickly adding a third when he gobbled up a rebound: “Andrew Cartwright told me to be ready for any rebound,” he said, “He struck a great free-kick and when the ‘keeper spilled it, I was standing to right of the goal and put the ball into the near side. It was a surreal moment to be able to celebrate with all of the fans. It was then a case of game management and keeping things tight.”

Cramlington-based Spooner also described Karl Dryden’s save ten minutes from time as being the save of the season: “It was unbelievable,” he said, “But our ‘keeper Karl Dryden has been fantastic all season.”

Dryden’s superlative effort came in the middle of a torrential downpour and Spooner admitted: “If the rain had started 15 minutes earlier, I think the game would have been in danger of being called off – but thankfully we got through it. Promotion was our aim and we have done that. The cup run was an amazing bonus but this has been one of the best seasons I’ve had in football. It’s my biggest achievement and it’s a great feeling.”

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC boss Ian Skinner has exclusively revealed a message which was said to the players in the dressing room at half time of their prestigious Inter step play off final against Glossop North End on Saturday.

The Colliers bossed the game from start to finish and were worthy 3-0 winners with skipper Ben Harmison scoring a brace plus one from Craig Spooner.

The Wansbeck side led 1-0 at the interval and Skinner said afterwards: “We said to the lads at half time ‘Listen you have got an opportunity here to make life long memories which you can talk about for the rest of your life. You will go down in history in getting the football club out of the Northern League for the first time in 55 years so if you get the job done, embrace it and enjoy it – but I think the only person who hasn’t done that so far is myself!”

For the match preparations, Ashington were informed on Wednesday of their Derbyshire-based opponents Glossop North End and Skinner said: “It wasn’t about being able to watch them (Glossop) or tactics or about how they played – it was about our group of players going out there on the pitch and achieving what we set out to achieve on the first day of the season. They take the biggest credit and they should be lauded for what they have achieved.”

Since Brian Shotton took over the reins as chairman at Woodhorn Lane four years ago there has been an amazing transformation at the club and Skinner said: “I remember Brian Shotton giving me a ring and asking if I could help out – and I ended up in the dugout somehow! We can now look back to when we went into the last days of the season maybes looking for points to finish fourth bottom and staying the first division – to coming to Glossop today for our last game of the campaign knowing that if we got a positive result then we would be promoted! Where this club were four years ago when the chairman (Brian Shotton) took over and where the club is now, the turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable.”

Skinner also had a word to say to the club’s supporters: “If I had a little message for them it would be: “We’ll need equally as many and more of them next season because it’ll be tough. Obviously we are stepping up a league and I’m not wanting to dampen spirits so soon after the final whistle today (at Glossop) but we’ll need the fans to stick with us and keep coming in their numbers to help the club move forward – and I’m sure they will do that.”

He concluded: “I’m going to enjoy a rest now – but no doubt I’ll wake up and the hard work will start again!” *Meanwhile just before the Ashington team coach set off on their homeward journey, there was a nice touch when Glossop chairman Dave Atkinson stepped onboard and wished the Colliers ‘all the best’ for the future.

By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC skipper – delighted after seeing the Colliers clinch promotion to the Northern Premier League’s East Division after a 3-0 victory over Glossop North End on Saturday, said afterwards that the players at the club had successfully delivered what they set out to do.

Harmison – who took his tally of goals for the season to 24 with a brace in the showdown – commented: “We said at the start of the season promotion was our aim – and we’ve done that – and with the team and the talent we have got at the club, we had to get over the line. Personally, I’m over the moon but I’m pleased for everyone else and it’s a brilliant achievement. I have just seen our chairman Brian Shotton and manager Ian Skinner who put a good team together – and the players have delivered but I’ve watched the supporter’s coaches leaving the ground and the fans are absolutely ecstatic. In big games the lads have been brilliant and we have given the fans something to cheer about all season and they have been right behind us. It’s more for them to be fair and it’s quite emotional.”

Harmison scored the opener – and said: “It had been coming for about 20 minutes. On numerous occasions we got down that left hand side and Paul Robinson and Jordan Summerly love playing together. Their passing and movement is excellent and they just know everything about each other’s games. One good ball by Jordan beat the defender and the ‘keeper and I just got on the end of it. The goal settled us down a little bit and we needed a second – but we didn’t hide the fact or sit back. We knew we were going to try and kill the game off. We did by scoring twice in the space of a few minutes and to be honest we could have added more.”

It was midway through the second half when Harmison notched his second which was quickly followed by one from Craig Spooner and the skipper added: “I think the rain helped a little bit because the ball sort of skidded through. They (Glossop) stepped up and I was hanging around for anything which came back in and when Ben Sampson slotted the ball through, I put it in the bottom corner. For the third goal, it was a great free kick from Andrew Cartwright because he struck the ball so hard and I’m pleased for Craig Spooner because he has been brilliant all year.”

Harmison also praised ‘keeper Karl Dryden: “It’s gone under the radar how good Karl is,” he said, “He came for everything and caught it and that save he made ten minutes from time was breathtaking and took the pressure off us. Glossop were quite good from set pieces but Karl (Dryden) was brilliant and we defended well. I thought we showed again that we can play against opposition in the Northern Premier League quite comfortably and they (Glossop) couldn’t handle us at all.”